Switching from Orange to ASDA Mobile? It's a straightforward process to keep your existing phone number.
Step 1: Get a PAC Code from Orange
If you’d like to move your phone number from Orange to ASDA Mobile, the first step is getting your Porting Authorisation Code (or PAC Code) from Orange.
There are two ways to get a PAC Code from Orange:
- By Text Message: You can get an Orange PAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text PAC to 65075 to receive a PAC Code from Orange.
- By Phone: You can get a PAC Code by calling Orange. To do this, call them on:
- For Orange Pay Monthly, dial 150 (or 07973 100 150 from any other phone)
- For Orange Pay As You Go, dial 450 (or 07973 100 450 from any other phone)
Here are some key things to know:
- A PAC Code is 9 digits long and follows the format ABC 123 456.
- Your PAC Code is valid for 30 days. If you don't use it during this time, the PAC Code will expire and you'll need to request a new one.
- You shouldn't close your account at Orange: it'll be closed automatically when your phone number is transferred to ASDA Mobile.
Don’t want to keep your Orange phone number? You can switch to ASDA Mobile without taking your phone number with you. If you'd like to do this, get a STAC Code from Orange instead.
Orange STAC Code (Leave Orange Without Keeping Your Number)
If you’d like to leave Orange without keeping your phone number, you’ll need to request a STAC Code rather than a PAC Code. There are two ways to get a STAC Code from Orange:
- By Text Message: You can get an Orange STAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text STAC to 75075 to receive a STAC Code from Orange.
- By Phone: You can get a STAC Code by calling Orange. Call them on:
- For Orange Pay Monthly, dial 150 (or 07973 100 150 from any other phone)
- For Orange Pay As You Go, dial 450 (or 07973 100 450 from any other phone)
Once you’ve gotten your STAC Code from Orange, the rest of the process for joining ASDA Mobile remains the same.
Step 2: Order your new phone or SIM card from ASDA Mobile's website
You should now order your new phone or SIM card using the ASDA Mobile website. Please select the type of tariff you're intending to move to:
For a full list of available tariffs and the latest ASDA Mobile deals, please refer to this page on ASDA Mobile's website.
ASDA Mobile will assign you with a temporary phone number during the transition process. This will allow you to test out the service before you finally transfer your phone number to ASDA Mobile.
Step 3: Give the PAC Code to ASDA Mobile
Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from ASDA Mobile, switch it on and make sure everything's working properly. If, for whatever reason, you need to return or change the handset or SIM card, it's best to do this before transferring your phone number.
Once you're happy to continue with the phone number transfer, contact ASDA Mobile and provide them with your PAC Code from Orange.
You can give the PAC Code to ASDA Mobile by calling 2732 on your ASDA Mobile handset. You can also call 0808 006 2732 from any other phone.
If you have a STAC Code from Orange rather than a PAC Code, this can be provided to ASDA Mobile in the exact same way.
Remember:
- You must provide the PAC Code to ASDA Mobile within 30 days of it being issued by Orange. If the PAC Code has already expired, you'll need to return to step 1 and request a new PAC Code from Orange.
- Orange Pay As You Go customers: Try to use up your remaining credit as it can't be transferred to ASDA Mobile.
Step 4: Phone Number Transferred (Next Working Day)
Once you've provided a PAC code to ASDA Mobile, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays).
On the day of the transfer, you'll momentarily lose coverage on both mobile networks. When this happens, restart your handset on ASDA Mobile. You should find that the ASDA Mobile phone or SIM card will now associated with your original phone number.
- If you see an error message (e.g. "SIM card registration failed"), this means it's time to restart your phone.
- Once the phone number has been transferred to ASDA Mobile, your account on Orange will automatically be closed. You'll receive a final bill from Orange for any outstanding charges.
Get the Latest Deals from ASDA Mobile →
Any Other Questions?
In case of any problems during the transfer of your phone number, you should contact your new mobile network (ASDA Mobile) with details of the problem.
If you have any other questions on using a PAC Code, please see my in-depth guide to transferring your phone number between networks. You can also read the comments below from other visitors to this website.
← Full Article: "PAC Codes - How to transfer your mobile number when switching networks"
Alan scott said:
I have been attempting to obtain my pac code from Orange all morning but keep being fobbed off with the busy excuse. Is there another no. I can contact? As it happens I wish to move to asda which is also EE.
Alan scott replied:
Managed to get through by asking for help with faulty phone.
Chris said:
Hi Ken,
3 weeks ago, I transferred my mobile number from Orange (Dolphin) contract to ASDA Mobile.
(both on the EE network). I had no problem securing my PAC number and the transfer seemed to go smoothly apart from the fact that I can make calls and receive texts but cannot send texts.
I left my Orange SIM card in my old mobile and my Daughter was able to send a text message on this. I have since removed that SIM card.
I have called ASDA Mobile on 3 occasions to be told that this has been a problem for many customers transferring from Orange and the technicians are working to resolve the problem. ASDA has given me extra credit for my phone as I am continually having to make calls instead of sending texts.
Can you advise me of my next step as it has been 3 weeks? I have already lodged a complaint with CISAS against Orange and am waiting for their response.
Many thanks,
Chris
Ken replied:
Hi Chris,
Sorry to hear about the problems you’re experiencing on ASDA Mobile. Unfortunately, I don’t have much specific advice regarding this matter – it sounds like a problem which needs to be solved by ASDA technical support. I would recommend checking two things:
1) Verify the SMS message service centre settings on your phone – they’ll need to be correct for you to be able to send a text message.
2) Consider using an instant messaging app (e.g. WhatsApp). I know it doesn’t solve your problem but it should allow you to stay in touch with friends whilst the problem is solved (it’s free to send messages so this is cheaper than calling).
Aside from that, I couldn’t give any more advice except to keep following it up with ASDA.
Good luck,
Ken